AS we have turned into a new month it's time for what will be the first in a series of articles in conjunction with Thurrock Camera Club.

Last month we reported on the start of planning by the club to mark its centenary late next year.

In the months to come between now and then we will be working with the club to offer our readers and viewers some tips on photography, reporting on events the club is involved and featuring the award-winning work of some of its members.

We are pleased to display the three prize-winning pictures from the club's most recent competition by Derek Smith, David Whyman and Chris Dennis.

In addition, the club has shared with us its second tip to help local folk improve their picture-taking, building on November's hint which was also about the composition of a striking picture.

Photographing people in groups

WHEN photographing groups of people there are a few tips to capture the best shot as follows:

Try to get people in a single line as this will maximise the number of people in focus.

If you need to have people in rows, focus approximately 1/3 of the way into the group to maximise the number people in focus.

Assuming that you won't get everybody in sharp focus, it is best to concentrate on main subject couple or person as this would normally represent the key element of your photograph.

In the attached example picture 'Look it's Elvis' b y Chris Dennis the main focus in the group image has been centred on the singer and the gentlemen next to him as the principle subjects.

The surrounding people have a softer focus and then the lampposts gradually move out of focus as they drop away from the main scene.

By having the background elements out of focus the photographer has reduced distractions from the intended subject of the image.

The theory behind this approach is intended to clearly show that the main subject of the image is the two central characters and the interaction between them.

We look forward to more pictures and more handy hints next month!

If anyone would be interested in finding out more about the club and/or membership, there is a Facebook Group, entitled Thurrock Camera Club which presents details of upcoming events and other photography related articles and the club also operates a website with a contact page here.

Club members are always keen to share their work and you can view more images produced by them via this link.